FORMER Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil has retired from professional football aged 34.
The German has been recently playing his trade in Turkey for Istanbul Basaksehir.
Mesut Ozil of Istanbul Basaksehir during the UEFA Conference League Play-Off Second Leg match between Royal Antwerp FC and Istanbul BasaksehirGETTY
The 34-year-old moved to Turkey to play for Fenerbahce when he left Arsenal in 2021.
Ozil joined the Gunners for £42m on one of the most memorable deadline days in Premier League history back in 2013.
Why has Mesut Ozil retired?
The World Cup winner has decided to retire due to his recent battles with injury.
In a statement released on Ozil’s Instagram, he said: “Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
“I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity.
“But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, its become more and more clear that its time to leave the big stage of football.
“It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.
“I want to thank my clubs – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahce, Ba§akwhir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends.
“Special thanks must go to my family members and my closest friends.
“They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through the good times and the bad.
“Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter which club I was representing.
“Now I’m looking forward to everything that is in front of me with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my two beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela – but you can be sure that you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels.
“See you soon, Mesut!”
What has Mesut Ozil won?
The German has won some of the biggest prizes in the game of football.
Here are all of the trophies Mesut Ozil has won during his career:
1x FIFA World Cup with Germany.4x FA Cup winner with Arsenal.1x La Liga title with Real Madrid.1x Copa del Rey with Real Madrid.1x Supercopa de Espana with Real Madrid.1x DFB-Pokal with Werder Bremen.2x Community Shield with Arsenal.1x European U-21 Championship with Germany. Read More